In Episode 7, host Jordan L. Fischer, Esq. interviews Jennifer Williams, partner at Freeh Sporkin & Sullivan, specializing in national security and cybersecurity risk. In this episode, Jennifer provides insight into the evolution of national security and cybersecurity during her tenure at the Department of Justice, and how the DOJ has evolved to meet changing cyber risks. Jennifer also talks through how she learned to take her traditional legal career and become a cybersecurity specialist, advising both the government and now the private sector on how to mitigate cyber risk.

For more information on Jennifer Williams, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-arbittier-williams/. To contact our host, Jordan L. Fischer, Esq., regarding this podcast or to inquire into becoming a guest, please contact Ms. Fischer at [email protected].

Host Gary J. Ross discusses impact investing with Chintan Panchal, Partner at RPCK Rastegar Panchal. Chintan starts off the episode by defining “impact investing,” which he describes as investing in solutions to societal problems through an entrepreneurial lens. Gary and Chintan then discuss the history of impact investing, the intricacies of an impact deal, and prominent players such as Development Financial Institutions. Additional topics covered include obtaining impact reports, negotiating DFI side letters, and working with donor-advised funds, as well as the role of faith-based investors. Chintan closes by telling of his favorite impact investing deal.

Hannah Hutman and Mac VerStandig discuss how the growing merchant cash advance industry impacts small business bankruptcy cases. Some debtors and trustees treat merchant cash advances as ordinary secured – or unsecured – debts; some debtors and trustees look at the transactions as fraudulent conveyances. This episode covers key points in determining whether a claim is really secured and strategies for taking on these increasingly frequent obligations.

In this lively episode you will learn the evidentiary standards required for confirmation of a chapter 11, Sub V plan in both consensual and contested confirmation hearings from a retired bankruptcy judge and an experienced restructuring attorney. The panel will delve into the quantum of evidence required under section 1129 as well as specific methods of meeting your burdens. Recognizing that resources are commonly scarce in Sub V cases, the panel will focus on ways to meet those burdens through your client or other witnesses that do not require the expenditure of professional fees. The episode offers highly practical advice and cites specific cases that will help you get through the process. It also makes suggestions on when you need an expert, how to evaluate the qualities your expert should bring to the stand, and who never to call as an expert!

In Episode 6, host Jordan L. Fischer, Esq. interviews Ellie Ludlum, partner at Pinsent Masons, specializing in cyber and data risk, with significant experience of acting for insurers and insureds operating in a range of sectors including financial institutions, manufacturing, technology and media. In this episode, Ellie provides detailed insight into the newly adopted European Union AI Act, and its practical implications for businesses. She talks through how the UK is also addressing AI, and the likely impact of evolving regulations on the impact of AI within businesses.

For more information on Ellie Ludlum, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellie-ludlam-a7736927/. To contact our host, Jordan L. Fischer, Esq., regarding this podcast or to inquire into becoming a guest, please contact Ms. Fischer at [email protected].

Host Gary J. Ross talks with Davidson Oturu, Fintech attorney and Managing Partner at Nubia Capital, a VC firm focused on tech startups in Africa. Davidson starts by discussing his experience drafting the Nigeria Startup Act. Gary and Davidson then talk about the use of Delaware C-corps by African startups, including conducting the “Delaware flip” and dealing with laws requiring local shareholders. Davidson covers exit options for African companies, and some of the differences he sees between VC in Africa and VC in the U.S. Davidson closes the episode by giving his thoughts on impact investing and the overall African market for investors.

In Episode 5, host Jordan L. Fischer, Esq. interviews Diane M. Janosek, current CEO of Janos LLC and former member Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service. Ms. Janosek also served as the National Security Agency’s Deputy Chief of Compliance. In this episode, Diane provides a detailed look at the challenges that both the private and the public sector have in complying with evolving cybersecurity risks and regulations. Diane and Jordan dive into the challenges for technical innovation in light of emerging restrictive regulations and enforcements.

For more information on Diane Janosek, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/diane-janosek-abc/. To contact our host, Jordan L. Fischer, Esq., regarding this podcast or to inquire into becoming a guest, please contact Ms. Fischer at [email protected].

Host Gary J. Ross discusses cannabis law with Hilary Bricken, Partner at Husch Blackwell. Hilary’s experience in cannabis law dates back to 2010 in Seattle when she was advising clients looking to take advantage of the dismantling of state laws against commercial cannabis activity. Hilary talks about cannabis regulation and enforcement at the state level and implications for both entrepreneurs launching cannabis-related businesses and investors in those businesses. Among other topics, Gary and Hilary also discuss banking issues and Canadian cannabis stocks trading on the OTC markets in the U.S. Thanks for a highly enlightening talk, Hilary!

In this episode we have two guests from the most senior ranks of the Royal Air force, Air Marshals Philip Osborn and Edward Stringer. Both men joined the UK’s Royal Air Force in 1982. Air Marshal Stringer served 36 years until 2018; and Air Marshal Obsorn served 37 years until 2019.

Intelligence has always been about dredging through vast pools of dull bureaucratic documents, seeking illuminating insights. In this episode we will explore military thinking about how to responsibly use AI. One of our guests has said, “data is the new oil,” and expresses concern about the tainting of our data by our adversaries. We discuss with our guests the Royal Air Force’s use of AI in intelligence and operations.

Host Gary J. Ross discusses Business Development Companies (BDCs) with John Mahon, Partner at Proskauer Rose LLP. John began his career working at the SEC, and since then has devoted his practice to BDCs and registered funds. John explains how BDCs are a hybrid between a standard investment fund and a traditional finance company. Among the topics covered are congressional requirements for BDCs since their creation in 1980; the growth from four BDCs in the 1980s to a burst of them over the past twenty years; fee structures for BDCs; and their prominence in the venture lending space. Thanks for an informative talk, John!